- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: It was a “prove it” year for Tuukka Rask as he took over the No. 1 job from Tim Thomas. He was left off the Vezina Trophy ballots after posting the third best save percentage (.929) and fourth best goals-against average (2.00). Rask will be getting a nice big contract this summer and GM Peter Chiarelli thinks it’s easier to sign guys after they’ve had a successful season.
“I’m happy for him that he’s playing well and he’s helping the team,” said Chiarelli. “It’s always easier to sign these guys after success. He’s showing some resiliency, which I like, and some durability, which I like.
“I liked big saves. We had some real good games where, I’d have to go back and look, but I think we had a chance in every game.”
Rask could be looking for a 5-6 year deal in the range of $5-$6 million per season. Comparables could be Jimmy Howard’s $5.291 million cap hit and Carey Price’s $6.5 million cap hit.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks thinks the Rangers need to lock up defenseman Ryan McDonagh before the Flyers are able to sheet him after buying out Ilya Bryzgalov. Brooks wonders if the Devils have any choice but to give Patrick Elias whatever he wants. Pascal Dupuis could be one of the most sought after free agents, but will he take less to remain with the Penguins?
- Adrian Dater: Avs center Paul Stastny is in the last year of his deal and has a $6.6 million cap hit. Dater is sure “the Avs would get a whole lot for him.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Nathan MacKinnon outplayed Seth Jones and Jonathan Drouin. You obviously don’t draft someone based on a couple of games. It seems like a “damned if they do, damned if they don’t” scenario on deciding between Jones and MacKinnon. Down the middle the Avs have Matt Duchene (not going anywhere), Ryan O’Reilly (can’t trade until Feb. 28th next year) and Paul Stastny (RFA after next season, could be moved). They need more help on the blueline than another young forward.